Stirling Council Employees Rally Together to Raise Over £254,000 for Strathcarron Hospice
In a heartwarming display of solidarity and generosity, employees of Stirling Council have banded together to raise an impressive sum of over £254,000 for Strathcarron Hospice through a unique payroll giving initiative. This remarkable feat not only showcases the compassionate spirit of the council staff but also underscores the vital role that regular donations play in supporting the crucial work of charitable organizations like Strathcarron Hospice.
The largest independent hospice in Scotland, Strathcarron Hospice serves as a beacon of hope and comfort for individuals in Forth Valley, Cumbernauld, and Kilsyth who are in need of palliative and end-of-life care. With a daily funding requirement of £16,637, the hospice relies on a combination of sources for financial sustenance, with only a third of its costs being covered by the NHS. Donations, fundraising efforts, retail income, gifts in wills, and legacy giving come together to bridge the funding gap and ensure that the hospice can continue its invaluable services for those in need.
Claire Kennedy, corporate fundraiser at Strathcarron, expressed deep gratitude to the Stirling Council staff for their unwavering support, emphasizing the significance of payroll giving as a steady source of income for the hospice. She highlighted the simplicity and effectiveness of this donation method, noting that once set up, donors can contribute effortlessly each month without any additional steps. Kennedy’s words underscore the profound impact that even the smallest contributions can have, emphasizing that every penny truly makes a meaningful difference in the lives of those served by the hospice.
Supporting the Local Community Through Compassionate Care
The services provided by Strathcarron Hospice are a lifeline for many individuals and families in the region, offering specialized care and support during challenging times. In the 2022-23 period alone, the hospice cared for 323 patients in its dedicated 24-bed unit, extended assistance to 357 ‘Hospice at Home’ patients through 3,286 visits, conducted 6,435 community nurse specialist visits for 1,109 new patients, and facilitated 8,142 clinical calls. These staggering numbers underscore the critical role that the hospice plays in the community and highlight the immense impact of the donations received from supporters like the Stirling Council employees.
Audrey Crawford, HR team leader at Stirling Council, shared her personal connection to the cause, mentioning that many individuals in the area have been touched by the services provided by Strathcarron. Inspired by the meaningful work of the charity, Crawford has been a dedicated donor since joining the council, contributing to ensure that the hospice can continue its vital mission in the community. Praising the straightforward process of setting up payroll giving at the council, she emphasized the speed and convenience of the initiative, noting how it has enabled staff members to make a real difference through their collective contributions.
Spreading Hope and Encouraging Support
As the total amount raised for Strathcarron Hospice by Stirling Council employees continues to grow, Crawford encourages other organizations and businesses to explore the benefits of payroll giving and lend their support to worthy causes like Strathcarron. Her advocacy for this impactful donation method reflects the power of collective action and the positive ripple effects that can result from a community coming together to support a shared cause. By championing the importance of regular contributions and highlighting the tangible impact of these donations, Crawford and her colleagues exemplify the spirit of generosity and compassion that defines the Stirling Council community.
In conclusion, the incredible fundraising efforts of Stirling Council employees stand as a testament to the power of collective giving and the profound impact that small acts of kindness can have on those in need. Through their ongoing support of Strathcarron Hospice, these dedicated individuals have demonstrated the true spirit of community and compassion, embodying the ethos of generosity and care that defines the very heart of charitable giving. As they continue to inspire others to join in their noble cause, the legacy of their contributions will endure as a beacon of hope and support for all those touched by the invaluable services of Strathcarron Hospice.
